Bangladesh’s new government has outlined a foreign policy focused on economic growth, investment attraction, and export diversification, aiming to advance national interests amid shifting global dynamics. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shams Al Islam detailed these priorities at a seminar in Dhaka on Monday, emphasizing a pragmatic, inclusive approach to international relations.
The event, organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), brought together experts to discuss how Bangladesh can navigate evolving geopolitical challenges while safeguarding sovereignty and regional stability. Islam described the government’s “Bangladesh First” strategy, championed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as the guiding principle for diplomatic engagement in an increasingly complex world marked by geopolitical rivalries, economic uncertainties, and changing alliances.
“We want our foreign policy to engage with everyone,” Islam said, rejecting the idea of restricting partnerships to particular countries or blocs. She stressed the importance of maintaining national sovereignty, dignity, and the welfare of Bangladesh’s citizens in its dealings with the wider international community.
Experts at the seminar highlighted the need to adopt a foreign-policy framework that balances pragmatism and principle, aligning with contemporary defense and security priorities. They emphasized ensuring Bangladesh's strategic autonomy and resilience in a rapidly evolving multilateral environment, where new technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping global economic and security landscapes.
Economic diversification emerged as a key focus, with the government seeking to broaden Bangladesh’s export base beyond its dominant ready-made garment sector. State Minister Islam noted efforts to promote pharmaceuticals, ceramics, leather goods, information technology, and jute products—particularly environmentally friendly offerings supported by the prime minister’s agenda. Initiatives to foster international cooperation, capital markets development, digital governance, and skills enhancement are also underway to boost competitiveness.
Institutional reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment were highlighted as a government priority. Since taking office, three investment-related institutions have been merged, and legislation establishing "Invest Bangladesh" was passed to increase transparency and accountability. Islam pointed to reducing bureaucratic hurdles and curbing corruption as critical components of improving the investment environment for both foreign investors and expatriate Bangladeshis.
Technology diplomacy is another emerging pillar, with the foreign minister describing recent engagements with leading Silicon Valley firms including Google, Apple, and Nvidia. Discussions focused on building a technology-driven economy through sovereign artificial intelligence capabilities, data infrastructure, and the integration of digital tools in public services such as education and healthcare.
Bangladesh intends to pursue partnerships worldwide, reaching beyond traditional allies to include countries across Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, alongside established partners such as the United States, the European Union, China, Russia, and Middle Eastern states.
The seminar also acknowledged the impact of global conflicts on Bangladeshis abroad, citing recent attacks in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the deaths of two Bangladeshi nationals and injuries to more than two dozen others. This underscored the interconnectedness of security and foreign policy challenges facing the country.
Overall, the government’s approach signals an ambition to cast Bangladesh as a responsible global actor prioritizing economic resilience, national interests, and strategic autonomy amid a rapidly changing international environment.